MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has re-signed center Janel McCarville to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are happy to have Janel back in a Lynx uniform for the upcoming title defense,” said Executive Vice President Roger Griffith. “She was an integral part of our success last year and remains an ideal fit in our system. Janel is one of the best passing posts in the league and her offensive versatility makes her a valuable player on our team. We’re happy to have her back in Minnesota and look forward to seeing her suit up in a Lynx uniform for years to come.”

McCarville started all 32 games she played in last season, averaging 6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and a career-best 2.9 assists per game (2nd among WNBA centers) for the Lynx. She came up big for the Lynx in the playoffs, averaging 9.3 points on 13-for-21 (61.9%) shooting, 4.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists as Minnesota swept the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals for its second championship in three seasons.

“I’m excited to be back with the Lynx,” said McCarville. “Last year was obviously a great season for us, both on and off the court. I had so much fun playing alongside all of the amazing talent on our roster, and I can’t wait to do it all over again this summer as we defend our title.”

“I’m thrilled Janel has decided to remain a Lynx,” said head coach Cheryl Reeve. “Her personality and her on-court talent are a perfect match for our team. To have players that teammates love to play with and players that coaches love to coach has been the trademark of our successful teams and Janel embodies this.”

A seven–year veteran originally selected by the Charlotte Sting with the #1 overall pick in the 2005 WNBA Draft, McCarville holds career averages of 8.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.